City guide

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a holy city on the banks of the River Ganges located at a distance of 24 km from Haridwar. This holy city is called the Devbhoomi and is considered as the doorway to the Hima...

Destination overview

Rishikesh Travel Guide

Rishikesh is a holy city on the banks of the River Ganges located at a distance of 24 km from Haridwar. This holy city is called the Devbhoomi and is considered as the doorway to the Himalayas. The holy river Ganga is quite amazing and breathtaking here that enhances the beauty of the place. Ancient history suggests the presence of Rishikesh in the legendary “Kedarkhand” region. In mythological scriptures Lord Rama meditated and practiced penance at this place after he executed Ravana. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, this place in Northern India attracts huge number of tourists and pilgrims from all parts of the country to offer their prayers at this holy site. Lord Rama’s younger brother, Laxmana, crossed the Ganga from here due to which the popular Laxman Jhula was constructed. White water rafting is a major attraction of this beautiful city and brings in adventure enthusiasts from all over the globe. Today it styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, with masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes.

UttarakhandState HimalayasRegion 0+Stays

Population 70,499

Geo Location

Average Climate

Summer 21° C – 40° C Winter 05° C – 22° C

Best Time To Visit September to April

Highlights

Tourist Attractions in Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula

It is a cable bridge located over the holy river Ganges. It is said that during the Ramayana, Ram's brother Lakshman crossed Ganges on jute ropes at the very spot where the present bridge is built. his rope bridge was quite unsafe and was replaced with a stronger iron- rope bridge in 1889. Due to floods in 1924 the bridge was damaged and finally replaced with a stronger suspension bridge. The Lakshman Jhula was built in 1939. The ropeway renders a sensational and thrilling experience to the visitor. People can enjoy panoramic views of the place from here.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a popular temple of Lord Shiva, which is situated at the height of 1330 m. The temple is named after Lord Shiva, who is also known as Neelkanth, as he drank the poison churned from the oceans. He stopped the poison in throat, due to which his neck turned blue. The temple was built on the same place where this event took place. This temple is visited at the time of famous annual festivals, one in the month of Shravan (July-August) and the other during Shivratri. As this temple is situated on top of the hill, it provides a view of surrounding hills that are Vishnukoot, Manikoot and Brahmakoot.

Triveni Ghat

A confluence of three holy important Rivers the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswathy, is a most revered sacred bathing spot in Rishikesh and is situated on the banks of Ganges River. Tri means three and venimeans confluence. HenceTriveni means confluence of the three. Triveni Ghat is of belief that those who take a dip in water at this ghat washes away all the sins and purifies the soul and will have salvation, a relief from all sins carried out; the water here has the power to purify them. The evening aarti, also known as the 'Maha Aarti', which takes place at this ghat, is the major attraction among the tourists. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed.